Adjustable Pipe Clamp With Spring-Loaded Teeth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamps are limited in accommodating pipes or cables of different widths, as they are designed for specific widths and cannot maintain the same external dimensions when securing cables or pipes of varying diameters.
Innovation Solution
A clamp design featuring a one-piece anchor component with two insertion pockets and separate thrust pieces, equipped with spring-loaded teeth that can be adjusted to fit different widths, allowing for flexible accommodation and secure fixation of pipes or cables through spring-loaded teeth engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If clamps are designed for specific widths, then secure fixation is achieved, but adaptability to different pipe or cable widths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate components: an anchor component and a contact component. This segmentation allows each component to have specific functions while enabling adaptability through the separate contact component that can accommodate different widths.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact component incorporates spring-loaded teeth that can dynamically adjust their position and engagement depth. This dynamic mechanism allows the clamp to adapt to different pipe or cable widths while maintaining secure fixation through the spring force.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate contact components are used, then adaptability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded teeth and their springs are integrated into a single contact component that can be attached to the anchor component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the adaptability function.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact component serves multiple functions: it provides the adapting interface for different widths, maintains constant contact pressure through springs, and enables secure fixation through tooth engagement. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If thrust pieces are pushed completely into insertion pockets, then secure fixation is achieved, but removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded teeth provide a dynamic engagement mechanism where the springs can be compressed to relieve the teeth from the locking elements, enabling easy removal. When released, the springs automatically reload the teeth for secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically engages the teeth with the locking elements upon insertion and automatically disengages them when the handle is actuated. This self-service mechanism simplifies both installation and removal operations.
4Strength
If teeth are made rigid for strong engagement, then fixation strength increases, but adjustability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The teeth are mounted on springs that allow them to flex and adjust to different engagement positions while maintaining strong contact force. The spring mechanism provides both the strength of rigid engagement and the adjustability needed for different widths.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constant and pre-load can be designed to provide optimal engagement strength across a range of positions. This parameter optimization allows the teeth to maintain strong engagement while accommodating adjustments for different pipe or cable widths.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure and adjustable fixation of pipes or cables of varying diameters with the same external dimensions, simplifying production and accommodating multiple pipes or cables by allowing adjustable insertion depths and using softer plastic for better grip and interlocking sections for enhanced stability.
Implementation Method 1
the thrust pieces being provided with teeth as locking elements, which can come into operative connection with the rows of teeth, and the teeth of the thrust piece are mounted on springs
Data Source
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AI summary
A clamp for securing pipes or cables to a substrate or to each other, comprising a first anchoring component 1 that can be placed against the pipes or cables, is provided with at least one mounting component 5 that can be brought into a holding position with the anchoring component 1 by approaching it. The method of approach of the mounting component 5 to the anchoring component 1 is selectable, and the mounting component 5 is a separate component from the anchoring component 1. Such a clamp can be used for securing pipes or cables of different diameters. Despite accommodating cables or pipes of different diameters, the clamp has the same external dimensions.